Two people are dead following a glider crash near Taupō this afternoon.

The police say emergency services were notified of the crash at Mount Tauhara at about 2.45pm.

A spokesperson said due to darkness, the bodies and glider will remain in place overnight under police guard.

Meanwhile, the Tauhara Mountain Trust says it has placed a rāhui on the mountain for five days, out of respect for the families.

It says the rāhui is effective immediately and it will end at sunrise on 6 June.